Tony Wrench, Caroline Berry and Jack Everett's eco-homes

[Ecovillage Network UK]

Three post-Christmas low impact planning decisions here
Tony G


From: "Tony Wrench" <tonywrench at lineone.net>
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 17:24:04 -0000
Subject: Emma's huts - Brithdir Mawr

Got the appeal decision today:

OK 4 year immunity on oldest hut,
No to retreat hut in woods - still gotta come down in under 6 months
No to  2 other huts, but increase in enforcement time to 18 months.

Hey ho.
Good news about Carloine Barry.
Hasta luego,
Tone

p.s. For reasonably up to date news from me please check out 
www.thatroundhouse.info <http://www.thatroundhouse.info>   . Thanks


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Straw house saved from demolition
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4171747.stm

A government planning inspector has ruled that a house in Somerset made 
from straw should not be demolished.

Environmentalist Caroline Barry constructed her home made almost entirely 
of straw bales and logs coated with lime putty to keep the rain out.

The building in Butleigh has no mains electricity and no mod cons.

Mendip District Council said the house should be removed because it broke 
planning rules, but a government inspector has reversed the decision.

The council said the property - built on a concrete foundation - was a 
permanent fixture which required planning permission.

Ms Barry ripped up the concrete base and put the house back together on a 
foundation made from tyres.

The council said it was "very disappointed" by the move and is considering 
a legal challenge to the ruling.


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First published on Wednesday 12 January 2005:
http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/stroud/archive/2005/01/12/news1105525042ZM.html

Eco-house doom looms

by Will Saunders

ECO homeowner Jack Everett's 20-year battle against council bureaucracy 
could soon be at an end as councillors pursue an action to bulldoze his 
Sheepscombe home.

The sculptor built the house at Shutway Quarry but could soon see it 
demolished as Ebley Mill officers claim it has no valid planning permission.

Mr Everett, who lives in the picturesque spot with his three sons, has 
unsuccessfully taken the case to the High Court after claiming the council 
breached his human rights.

But yesterday building control councillors vowed to decide on the fate of 
the buildings after speaking to legal experts in February.

After the debate a defiant Mr Everett said he could not accept a council 
house because of his eco-friendly lifestyle.

"It does not fit in with my belief system and my lifestyle," he said. "That 
is where human rights are relevant.

"They are obliged to give me comparative housing. Have they got three 
quarters of an acre of land, woodland and a sustainable house? I do not 
think they have."

During the council debate some councillors appeared to be sympathetic to Mr 
Everett's situation.

Cllr Dennis Andrewartha (Lib Dem, Cam West) said: "Because this gentleman 
chooses to live in a different way to the rest of us, are we not running 
roughshod over his human rights?"

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